Saturday, May 23, 2015

I would have never known how much this quote is true until yesterday. We glanced at each other in the cafeteria as I was preparing to eat a surprise lunch with Preston and Lily. She walked over and hugged me like no time had passed at all. She teared up and I cried. She said she has been a mess since hearing about the passing of Ashley. She looked at Lily and said Lily reminds me so much of Ashley. She said that just this week Lily came in from recess and was standing in her class room with another student. She should not have been in the class, it's not even her grade. I know these are all signs from above. I know Ashley is watching over us and her siblings.

Rewind to last Saturday. A picture of the new second grade team at my twins school came across my news feed on Facebook. I immediately recognized one of the ladies in the picture as Ashley's kindergarten teacher, Ms. Chalmers, back in 2000. I couldn't believe it, my jaw dropped, my eyes filled with tears. How in the world did our paths cross 14 years later at the same school my twins were at? I texted my friend which just so happens to be Lily's beloved kindergarten teacher from last year. I asked her if the lady in the picture taught at Adam elementary in 2000? She said yes and she remembers Ashley. Ms. Chalmers sent me a message on FB. We chatted about the past, about Ashley and about our lives now. She taught at the twins school last year as well. I can not believe that the amount of time I spent up at the school last year (kinder) and this year we have not seen each other. It's amazing to see the love that kids have for their teachers. Ashley talked about Ms. Chalmers all the time, she was clearly her favorite. Lily has the same love for her kinder teacher too. She still goes by her class daily just to say hi. Lily's love for her teacher reminds me so much of Ashley's love for Ms. Chalmers. I can't wait to see what the future holds. Lily's kindergarten teacher and Ashley's kindergarten teacher will be teaching second grade next year. I'll be honest and tell you I have prayed that Preston or Lily get one of them! How cool would that be that one of my kid's is assigned to the same teacher that taught Ashley 14 years ago?!?!?

Ashley is a smart, funny, beautiful, free spirited and sweet 19 year old. She loves music and acting goofy. She wants to be a organic chef when she is done with school. She knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone stand in her way. Ashley moved to Austin in 2013 to fulfill her dream of going to Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. While in Austin Ashley slipped into the darker side of the city. It is with a heavy heart that I say Ashley passed away on April 6th, 2014.

Preston

Preston is such a boy who makes us laugh. He loves to jump, run, scream, climb but also loves to snuggle. I love seeing his little mind at work. Preston will be 8 on Halloween.

Lillian

Lily is the princess of the family. She has us all tricked into doing whatever she wants. She loves to play dress up and read her books. She always has a smile on her sweet face. Lily will be 8 on Halloween.

Carly

Our newest baby girl. We didn't find out the gender (since this is our last) we were completely shocked that she was a she. We just assumed boy. You know the way I was carrying, stupid myths! Anyway we are completely over the moon in love with our precious Carly. She is certainly our firecracker. Carly will be 3 in April.